Pumpkin retail prices down on last year

Published: 2016-10-17 Views: 5

Core Tip: Pumpkin production is widely dispersed throughout the United States, with crop conditions varying greatly by region.

Pumpkin production is widely dispersed throughout the United States, with crop conditions varying greatly by region. In 2015, U.S. farmers produced 753.8 million pounds of pumpkins. Production dropped over 40 percent from 2014 largely due to a drop in acreage planted and harvested in Illinois. Despite this decline, Illinois remained the leading producer of pumpkins by acreage, with almost 80 percent of acres typically devoted to production for pie filling or other processing uses. Nationally, decreased pumpkin production drove down totals for per capita utilization which declined to 3.1 lbs. per person in 2015.

Supplies from the remaining top five States are targeted toward the seasonal fresh market for ornamental uses and for home processing. California emerged in 2015 as the top pumpkin producer in terms of value of production. California acreage continues to expand, yields exceed those of other states, and annual average prices have continued to strengthen since 2005. Initial reports for 2016 pumpkin production are favorable, with growers producing mainly jack-o'-lantern types with additional specialty varieties. For the first week of September 2016, average advertised retail prices were down compared to the same period last year. Demand for specialty pumpkins continues to expand as consumers look for new and interesting varieties. Specialty varieties with wholesale prices reported to date in 2016 include Big Mack, Blue, Cinderella, Fairytale, White Howden, Knuckle Head, and heirloom varieties.